Is a casket required for cremation?

A funeral home cannot require a traditional casket for direct cremation, though an alternative container may be required. As part of the arrangement review, consumers may generally purchase a casket or urn from an outside seller, and a funeral provider cannot charge a handling fee merely because the merchandise came from elsewhere. It is easier to compare providers fairly when required fees are separated from optional services, merchandise, cemetery charges, and third party costs. Obtain written itemized prices before authorizing the arrangement, then confirm whether a stated requirement is imposed by law, by the cemetery, or only by the provider before you pay for it.